But it’s July. Next month is August. It’s almost time. My heart beats faster just thinking about it.

As Volunteers, we have struggled this past year. Our last seasons have been anything but story book. Dooley however, has indeed made a difference, and I think anyone who bleeds orange and white can agree with that.

It’s been a tough time being a Vol lately.

Basketball program on the rebound. Our Athletic Director gone. It’s not been easy and it seems like the hits just kept coming.

All that said? It’s just a mere 36 hours……36 measly and slow crawling hours until it’s

FOOTBALL TIME IN TENNESSEE!!!!!

For a few short months this typically political, military and personal focused blog becomes a plethora of color, drum lines and play reminiscence. For a limited time there is a chill in the air, and you can see your breath each morning and feel the tension as you head for the bandstands. Why do we do this?

Because we cant be serious all the time. Because life isn’t just politics, and war, and legislation and taxes. Because its good for the soul to step back, breathe and enjoy something. Because we are fans, one of Georgia, and one of Tennessee true red black and orange sons of the south. We are SEC where football is not just a game but a way of life.

Welcome to the 2010 NCAA Football season fellow readers. I truly believe it’s going to be one helluva ride!

And Derek Dooley rubs a little salt in the wound by taking advantage of the NCAA rule that says Juniors and Seniors of a school under sanctions can transfer and play immediately. So what does Dooley do? He sends notification to USC that Tennessee wants all of their Juniors and Seniors.

If your trapped at work, you can catch the game with a group of us at Rocky Top Talk.

Also there are links to the Games Internet Broadcast, Audio and Internet Live Stats (A quiet, low key way to keep track of the game without disturbing your co-workers. ……….who the hell cares what they think ITS THE VOLS!!!!! )

Chuck Smith, former Tennessee Volunteer and more recently New York Jets Pass Rush Specialist has came back to Tennessee as the new Defensive Line Coach.

Smith is a giant among men in the D-Line business, having ran his own business helping Defensive Lineman get on top of their game, before finally being dragged kicking and screaming in to the NFL.

Among his star pupils are three former Vols — Albert Haynesworth, who this past season signed a $100 million contract with the Washington Redskins; Robert Ayers, a 2009 NFL first-round draft pick of the Denver Broncos; and Shaun Ellis, who made the Pro Bowl with the Jets this season.

Smith also has worked with Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Richard Seymour and New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora.

In the 2009 NFL draft, seven linemen selected in the first five rounds trained under Smith, including Ayers.